why is rec girls softball losing the girls ? Will travel Ball be next ?

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I'm doing research on softball on all level of game all the time.

And I've noticed a decline in numbers of girls youth softball program over the last 5 yrs.

But the question came up due to the many rec/youth league program I talk with
over the last 5 months. The most extreme cast being a local youth program that has went
From 198 girls in 2005 to only having 3 girls sign up in 2012.

Have you looked at any coralation between the decline in signups and number of female births inthe preceeding years. perhaps the birth rate had gone down in the area.

 

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Never look into that, but the boy sign up were even down in my extreme case.

They went from 358 in 2005 and been going in reverse every since. In 2012 they only
Had 210 boys sign up to play.

 

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Well Friday I will post a new question.

 

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DanMaz ... with all due respect, I think your post is pretty harsh. You are right that if you're not playing travel ball these days, that its going to be hard to make most high school teams and compete.

My DD HS team last year consisted of 1 travel ball player and 10 other players, 7 rec & 3 good athletes that last played rec at age 14. This team last year took Poland to the 7th in a 0-0 tie in District Cahmpionship game & eventually lost 1-0. kids can compete & be good at any level.

IMHO...I think the economy has much to do with the decline. PPL just don't have the extra cash to run their kids around, pay for lessons & etc.

 

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Our travel program increases about every year.... Unfortunately we turn away more each year because it just isn't possible to place everyone that wants to play. In NW Ohio, there are more programs than ever before. I think part of the reason is Fallball and Springball for the younger girls. It helps stimulate interest.... softball clinics, private lessons also help. When girls become better at a sport, they tend not to lose interest. The success of a program also helps. I am amazed how some programs are clueless on how to build a program..... very easy guys.... start at the youngest age groups....make it fun, teach them softball and they will stick with you. Most of our 16u Elite team that just won ASA States were homegrown in our organization... 7 of them were first year 16u.
Don't expect over night success....Treat your players, parents and coaches right and good things will come to you.

 

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DanMaz ... with all due respect, I think your post is pretty harsh. You are right that if you're not playing travel ball these days, that its going to be hard to make most high school teams and compete.

My DD HS team last year consisted of 1 travel ball player and 10 other players, 7 rec & 3 good athletes that last played rec at age 14. This team last year took Poland to the 7th in a 0-0 tie in District Cahmpionship game & eventually lost 1-0. kids can compete & be good at any level.

IMHO...I think the economy has much to do with the decline. PPL just don't have the extra cash to run their kids around, pay for lessons & etc.

Dave
That is only because of your daughters pitching ability otherwise the team was very very average. Just look at this year.

By the way your daughter had a Great year @ Georgetown of Kentucky

 

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The youth live video game memberships are up for sure. Maybe that has something to do with it